TURNPIKE TRUST Meaning and
Definition
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A turnpike trust refers to an entity established by a government or private organization to manage and maintain a specific stretch of road, known as a turnpike, for the benefit of its users. Turnpike trusts were prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Britain and the United States, when road infrastructure was being developed and improved.
The main purpose of a turnpike trust was to finance the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads in order to facilitate the efficient movement of goods, services, and people. To do so, turnpike trusts often chose strategic routes that were of high economic significance or connected major cities, enabling trade and transportation networks to flourish.
To fund these developments, turnpike trusts utilized local subscriptions from investors who would receive dividends in return. They would also impose tolls on users of the road, charging a fee for the passage of vehicles as a means to generate revenue for ongoing maintenance and improvements. These toll charges varied depending on the vehicle type, distance traveled, and purpose of the journey.
Throughout the 19th century, turnpike trusts played a crucial role in the expansion and improvement of road networks, stimulating economic growth and facilitating trade. However, with the rise of railways and the advent of modern transportation systems, turnpike trusts gradually declined in prevalence. Eventually, most turnpike trusts were abolished or incorporated into local government structures, transitioning the responsibility of road management to public authorities.
Etymology of TURNPIKE TRUST
The word "turnpike" originated from the old English term "turnpyc", which was composed of "turn" (meaning "to turn") and "pike" (meaning "spike" or "barrier"). A turnpike was a gate or barrier that could be turned to control access along a road or a toll road.
The word "trust" refers to a legal entity or arrangement that held responsibility for managing and maintaining the turnpike. It was a system introduced in England during the 17th century to improve the condition of roads and was funded by tolls collected from the users of the turnpike. These trusts were groups of local individuals or organizations entrusted with the authority to undertake the necessary improvements and collect tolls.
